PENRITH HOLD OUT FOR WIN

Pickering Town 1-2 Penrith – Ebac Northern League Division One

 Rudy Funk’s first game in charge of Pickering Town didn’t quite go to plan – as Penrith took all three points.

The opening half hour didn’t do much to excite the crowd – neither team were able to create any openings or test the keepers. Despite the lack of chances created, Penrith turned the game on its head in the final 10 minutes of the first half.

A long ball into the Pickering box 34 minutes in led to a scramble, before the ball fell into the path of Jonny Murray who pounced to slide the ball underneath Harry McGuire to give the visitors the lead.

It took Penrith only 10 minutes to double their lead. A brilliant reverse pass from Andrew Murray-Jones sent Luke Hunter through on goal, before the winger rounded the keeper and slotted home.

Pickering pushed forward in the second half in search of a goal or two, however it was Penrith who created the better opportunities and looked closest to increasing their lead.

Jamie Armstrong and Hunter came close for the visitors, as they forced some brilliant stops from Pickering keeper Harry McGuire – who kept his side in the game.

With 10 minutes remaining the hosts were awarded a penalty. The referee initially didn’t award the spot kick, however after consulting with the linesman a spot kick was given.

Harry Jessop stepped up and scored the penalty to give his side a lifeline – only just – as the ball squirmed under Aaran Taylor.

The away side were awarded a penalty of their own just four minutes from time as Murray-Jones was brought down in the area. Armstrong saw his spot kick well saved by McGuire before Hunter put the rebound over the bar.

Penrith held on for all three points for their second win of the season, whilst Rudy Funk was unable to get his reign off to a winning start.

Adam Gill